'Interferer Charles' Ascends as UK King... Will He Maintain Political Neutrality? [Global Focus]

Controversy Over the 'Black Spider Letter' Sent to Ministers
Excessive Interference in the Cabinet... 'Interfering Prince'
Organic Farming Business Controversy Amid Eco-Friendly Initiatives

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years and received the love and support of the people, and the ascension of Charles III as the new monarch, there are forecasts of significant changes in British politics. Concerns have even been raised that if Charles III, who has actively expressed his political opinions since his time as Prince of Wales, fails to maintain political neutrality, the British royal family could become embroiled in political disputes.

In particular, Charles III’s support for Islamic organizations, opposing religious discrimination contrary to the anti-Islamic sentiment within the UK, is expected to potentially cause some clashes with the British government. There are also worries that his strongly advocated environmental policies may not align with the sentiments of the British public, who are currently grappling with an energy crisis.

However, some speculate that since Charles III ascended the throne with significantly lower approval ratings compared to the Queen, he may adopt a much more cautious approach than he did during his time as Prince of Wales.

◇‘Black Spider Memos’ Controversy Earned Him the Nickname ‘Meddling Prince’

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According to the British BBC on the 19th (local time), there are concerns within and outside British politics that Charles III will intervene more politically compared to the Queen, who maintained political neutrality. Since he has strongly voiced his opinions to the cabinet since his time as Prince of Wales, it is expected that as king, he will exert significant influence over British politics.

Charles III is known to have sent handwritten letters called the ‘black spider memos’ to British cabinet ministers starting in 2004 during his time as Prince of Wales, actively expressing his political opinions on various issues such as agriculture, urban planning, architecture, education, and the environment. The term ‘black spider memos’ comes from the resemblance of his handwriting in these letters to a black spider.

From 2004, he sent handwritten letters to cabinet members including then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. Due to criticisms of excessive interference in cabinet affairs, he earned the nickname ‘meddling prince.’ Charles III himself has emphasized that now as king, he will adhere to the constitutional principle of the monarch’s political neutrality.

In a public address following his official proclamation as King of the United Kingdom on the 9th, Charles III declared, "I can no longer devote time and energy to charities and various social issues that I have cared deeply about," and pledged to "uphold the principles of the constitution."

◇Pro-Islamic Actions Controversy... Unified Anti-China Sentiment

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If Charles III expands his political influence, there are concerns that his pro-Islamic actions will become a subject of controversy. He has advocated for the removal of entry restrictions and discrimination against Muslims, but with repeated terrorist attacks by various Islamic fundamentalists in Europe, anti-Islamic sentiment within the UK has intensified.

According to The Guardian, Charles III has actively supported Islamic communities, including mentoring programs for Muslim youth in the UK such as ‘Mosaic,’ run in cooperation with the University of Oxford’s Islamic Studies Centre. In 2015, following the emergence of the Islamic State (IS), an Islamic fundamentalist terrorist group, he made remarks criticizing anti-Islamic sentiment in British society, which sparked controversy. At that time, he stated, "As the head of the Church of England, the monarch’s role is to protect all religions and their faiths."

Charles III’s pro-Islamic stance is also expected to potentially clash with the Liz Truss administration. On the 6th, newly appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss appointed Suella Braverman, former Home Secretary, as the Home Secretary leading UK immigration policy. Braverman, who previously ran for Conservative Party leadership, pledged to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the English Channel and vowed to strengthen crackdowns on illegal Muslim immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East.

However, regarding anti-China sentiment, Charles III is expected to align with the UK government’s stance. According to CNN, Charles III has maintained a long-standing friendship with the Dalai Lama, known as the spiritual leader of Tibet.

◇Self-Proclaimed Environmental Expert... Controversy Over Organic Farm Business

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Another core controversy surrounding Charles III relates to his environmental policies. Since his time as Prince of Wales, Charles III has raised his voice for the government to take strong action on environmental issues such as global warming. According to Bloomberg, he personally attended the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow, UK, last October, urging world leaders on the necessity of proactive environmental policies, stating, "Doing nothing would be a disaster for the Earth."

However, there are also controversies suggesting that his environmental advocacy is not merely a personal interest but serves to promote the organic food business he operates. According to Politico, Charles III has run a company called ‘Duchy Originals’ since 1990 in the Cornwall estate he inherited as Prince of Wales, selling food and wine produced using organic farming methods.

Last year, the company reportedly earned over $4 million (approximately 560 million KRW) in revenue. Since starting this business, Charles III has actively promoted organic farming and environmentalism, which has led to criticism. It was also revealed that some of the black spider memos included requests to send experts to Duchy Originals or to make donations, further fueling controversy.

◇Lower Approval Ratings Compared to the Queen... May Significantly Reduce His Voice

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Contrary to these concerns, some predict that Charles III will significantly reduce his political voice since he ascended the throne with much lower approval ratings than his mother, Elizabeth II.

According to a poll released in May by the British polling firm YouGov, only 39% of respondents believed Charles III would perform well as monarch. This is roughly half of the 77% approval rating recorded by Elizabeth II. Additionally, 27% of respondents said the monarchy should be abolished, marking the highest level ever recorded.

Vernon Bogdanor, a constitutional and royal expert and professor of political science at the University of London, told the BBC, "Charles III has been Prince of Wales for a long time and is well aware of the political controversies surrounding him. He knows that the public does not want a monarch who delivers political messages or campaigns," adding, "He is likely to strengthen his position by increasing inclusiveness toward the socially vulnerable and expanding support for culture and the arts rather than making political statements."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.